Fight for Love: Supporters rally for marriage equality

MARTINSBURG – Raven Blye has the same hopes and dreams as many other young women her age – graduate college, get married and eventually start a family.

“I’m just like a lot of other girls who grew up in this area, I want the same things – to grow up, wear a white dress and get married, then be a PTA mom who gives back to the community and country,” Blye said with a smile, pausing for a moment as she glanced at the Berkeley County Courthouse behind her.

But for now, much of her dream is impossible, since West Virginia is one of 41 states that does not allow same-sex marriage.

That’s a big part of the reason Blye and several other individuals spent Tuesday downtown, waving signs at passing drivers and even holding a candlelight vigil to highlight the importance of marriage equality – striking down laws which prohibit gay couples from officially tying the knot, according to organizer Rogelio Lujan.

He said the event – which will continue this morning and last until at least noon – is being held in support of the Supreme Court’s hearing that began Tuesday on California’s Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban.

Lujan said this local show of support is important, since neither he nor many others could attend the hearing in Washington, D.C.

Dozens of drivers honked as they passed, other folks stopped to chat as they walked by and one woman even purchased water, doughnuts and pizza for the group, Lujan said.

One of the most popular signs – “Honk 4 Love” – seemed to motivate a lot of drivers to show their support, including a couple of tractor-trailer drivers who were stopped in traffic at the intersection of Queen and King streets.

Fellow organizer Tony Painter, who credited Lujan for the idea, said he never imagined so many folks would be supportive of the group’s cause.

“There has been a little hate, some people making rude finger gestures or turning a thumb down, but overall the love has been overwhelming and very touching. This reaction has been very exciting to see, especially since we’ve never really had a gay-rights event in Martinsburg,” Painter said.

Jonathan Ford and John Sinnott were passing by when they decided to stop and chat with organizers – an act that wasn’t lost on participant Monica Chicas, who couldn’t wait to give the men a hug.

“I hope you don’t mind me giving you a hug, but we’re doing this for you,” she said.

Sinnott, who said they are planning a Dec. 7 wedding locally but will have to be married earlier in Maryland where gay marriage is legal, also stressed that he is looking forward to the day when gay couples won’t face this kind of legal obstacle.

“Unfortunately, as soon as we cross the Potomac River, our marriage becomes void. So we’re having a local ceremony so that our friends and relatives can share the love we have,” Sinnott said.

Listening as several horns blew at once, Ford smiled and gestured toward the passing cars.